A convenient and effective way for you to access private health care services when you need it.
Health Screening
Vaccinations
Medical Services
Sexual Health
We provide a comprehensive range of private GP services for patients who wish to be seen asap. GP Matters offers quick and easy access for many different types of appointments (from GP Consultations, private prescriptions and referrals, OGUK medicals or Covid-19 testing).
MBChB DRCOG MRCGP
Private GP and Aesthetics Doctor
GMC Reg number: 3275151
Dr Carole McAlister is a General Practitioner and Aesthetic doctor based in Glasgow.
She graduated as a doctor of medicine and surgery at the University of Edinburgh in 1988.
Read more about Dr McAlister.
Our General Practitioners can assist in a wide range of medical issues. In the vast majority of cases our doctors can recommend the appropriate treatment directly, and where they can't they can refer you to the appropriate specialist.
There is no formal registration process to go through when you visit a GP at GP Matters, if you are a new patient we will ask you to to complete our online registration form, it only takes a couple of minutes.
Patients do not need to de-register with their NHS GP when registering with GP Matters.
We will not let your NHS GP know you have attended GP Matters unless you specifically ask us to.
Overseas visitors are most welcome.
Please contact the clinic on 0141 7373 289 or send an email to info@gpmatters.com
Yes, if you feel more comfortable bringing a family member or friend to a GP appointment with you then you are more than welcome to.
GP consultations are scheduled for 15 minutes which is typically sufficient for one problem.
If you have multiple problems or a complex long standing issue then please book an extended 30 minutes consultation.
You will be greeted by our reception staff when you arrive for your GP appointment. If you are a new patient they will ask you to complete a health questionnaire before seeing your GP, if you have not already done this on-line.
For GP appointments you can pay by cash or by credit or debit card (excluding American Express) on the day of your appointment.
The cost of a private GP appointment is time-only, prescriptions are included in the consultation fee, however there will be an additional charge for in-clinic services provided such as blood testing, referrals, letters and scanning.
We'll always discuss your options with you first.
Our fees are available here
We are here to discuss any concerns you might have about your health, so arrange to see us for any of these services:
General Appointments / GP Consultations
Private Referrals, Blood & Urine Testing
Prescriptions & Non NHS Medication
Sexual Health Clinic
Vaccinations & Immunisations / Flu vaccines
Travel Clinic
Employment medicals, Visa Medicals , Work Medicals
Offshore medicals (OGUK Medicals & RUK medicals)
HGV or LGV medicals
Vitamin B12 Injections
Anti-wrinkle injections
Covid-19 Tests (Antigen, PCR, or Antibodies)
Our expert GPs want to ensure they provide the best service possible to patients which is why we don’t offer consultations online as you would be unable to have a full assessment.
Prescriptions are issued at the discretion of the doctor based on what they believe to be most appropriate for your condition. They can prescribe all medication normally prescribed by a general practitioner, including the pill.
We do not prescribe morphine and methadone.
We can only refer you to a private specialist, not an NHS specialist. Should you have private health insurance then they should accept a referral letter from GP Matters. If you have been unwell we can also issue sick notes and related letters for your employer or school. We are also able to provide certificates verifying fitness to participate in sporting or other events.
Please note that we don’t offer a 24-hour ‘out of hours’ service.
Our service is not suitable for medical emergencies, so if you need urgent medical care then please contact 111 or 999, or visit A&E.
If you have a blood or sample test done with one of your GPs, depending on the kind of testing being carried out you can receive your results in a matter of hours through to a few days for more extensive tests.
You can request how you receive the results and the options are by email, post, by calling us or we can call you.
GP Matters is a registered healthcare provider with Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Having a GP appointment at GP Matters does not result in any changes to the care you receive from your NHS GP and we recommend that you remain registered with your local NHS practice to ensure assistance in the event of a medical emergency.
Only with your consent.
No but our GP will talk to you to find out your medical history at the beginning of your consultation. If you are on any regular medication it is helpful if you bring it with you.
Your GP Matters doctor will be able to see your notes for any previous appointments you have booked with us.
Appointments with GPs are not usually covered by insurance companies. If you are referred to a consultant or have a procedure done at GP Matters then the majority of these will be covered by insurance companies. It is advisable to check your policy or ask your broker or insurance company to be sure of what is covered.
Covid19 Antigen Test Price - £60
Turnaround Time - 10 minutes
Covid19 Antibody Test Price - £100
Turnaround Time - Next day results
COVID-19: Antibody Testing
An antibody test is a blood test to check if you’ve had coronavirus (COVID-19) before or been vaccinated.
The test detects your body’s response to the virus or vaccination but cannot tell you if you currently have COVID-19.
What your antibody test result means
Positive antibody test result - A positive result means the test did detect COVID-19 antibodies.
Antibodies for COVID-19 mean you are likely to have some protection from severe disease, but it’s still possible to get the virus or spread it.
Negative antibody test result - A negative result means the test did not detect COVID-19 antibodies.
Antibodies take time to develop. Most people make antibodies within 28 days of being infected or vaccinated, but it can take longer.
The test you get after a positive PCR test can detect antibodies made after vaccination or infection but other tests will only look for antibodies made after you have had the virus.
After you get your result
Regardless of your antibody test result you must continue to follow the same guidelines as everyone else to protect yourself and others from the virus.
For further information about the antibody tests available please visit our laboratory webpage: TDL Lab
Private Covid Vaccine Glasgow
NOT AVAILABLE
The COVID-19 vaccination is only available through the NHS.
Offshore medicals are required by the oil and gas industry to make sure an employee is fit to work in, what can only be described as, a challenging environment. Things can be hazardous so it’s important that they’re fit, healthy and up to the job.
Our offshore medicals are regulated by OGUK (Oil and Gas UK Medical)
We are a registered OGUK Clinic in Glasgow. Only OGUK approved clinics can issue a valid OGUK medical certificate.
OGUK Medicals are offered at GP Matters. We offer competitively priced Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) medicals - formerly known as UKOOA medicals - to both large companies and individual clients.
The OGUK Offshore Medical is valid for two years and allows you to work in the UK sector / North Sea and the Norwegian sector.
Procedure:
You should allow 30 minutes for the OGUK medical.
An OGUK Offshore Medical at GP Matters consists of the following:
Completion of Patient Questionnaire
Doctor consultation / Screening
Urinalysis – test for diabetes
BMI – measurement of height, weight and calculation of Body Mass Index
General medical examination of the cardiovascular, abdominal and neurological systems
Near, Distance and Colour Vision
Pulse and Blood Pressure Measurement
Audiogram (hearing test)
Please bring with you:
Photographic ID (Your passport or driving licence)
Your glasses or contact lenses
After your OGUK Medical:
Certificates are normally made available on the day of the examination with copies sent to companies where requested.
The OPITO BOSIET, FOET and HUET Courses will now include in-water training with the CA-EBS.
This new element requires additional medical tests for delegates, which will be captured via a "Fit to Train" certificate. This must be completed before you can partake in the BOSIET, FOET or HUET Courses.
Delegates will need to complete a questionnaire asking about respiratory, ear, nose and throat checks and a lung health assessment which will be assessed in a face to face medical assessment with an Oil & Gas UK Examining Doctor.
This medical assessment will be offered stand-alone or combined with the Oil & Gas UK Medical.
Procedure:
You should allow 15 minutes for the medical.
Please bring with you:
Photographic ID (Your passport or driving licence)
Your glasses or contact lenses
After your Fit to Train Medical:
Certificates are normally made available on the day of the examination with copies sent to companies where requested.
We provide industry recommended Wind Turbines Medicals (Medical Fitness to Work on near offshore and land based projects) for the renewable energy sector, also known as RUK medicals.
Procedure:
You should allow 30 minutes for the medical.
Following the assessment a certificate will be issued in accordance with "Renewable UK Medical Fitness to Work – Wind Turbines Guidelines for near offshore and land based projects’
A satisfactory medical certificate is valid for two years and combines the following tests as part of our examination process.
Completion of Patient Questionnaire
Consultation with a doctor
Urinalysis – routine urine test with immediate result
BMI – measurement of height, weight and calculation of Body Mass Index
Visual acuity (near and distance) and visual fields test
Pulse and Blood Pressure Measurement
Lung Function Test (spirometry)
Audiogram (hearing test)
Chester Step test
Please bring with you:
Photographic ID (Your passport or driving licence)
Your glasses or contact lenses
If you have any medical conditions that may be relevant, please bring along information such as repeat prescriptions and specialist letters to help speed up the process.
After your Wind Turbine Medical / RUK Medical:
Do I get my certificate on the day of my appointment? Yes, as long as the doctor can deem you fit, we will provide you with the certificate at the end of your appointment to take away with you.
We are a Glasgow based Travel Clinic, providing expert advice, vaccinations and malaria prevention that's tailored to you and your travel plans.
At GP Matters we offer a range of vaccinations and medicines to help ensure your good health, no matter how far and wide you travel.
Our travel vaccination clinic is equipped to offer you expert advice in minimising health risks during and after your holiday or business trips to other parts of the globe. All Vaccines are available onsite, no need to order first!!
International travel doesn’t need to be marred by uncertainty and disease; simply visit our Travel Clinic and get the information you need ahead of time. Wherever you're traveling to, our competitive rates and travel expertise will help to ensure that you're protected from before you leave until you're safely home. We are a registered Yellow Fever Centre.
Our travel clinic is your essential vaccination guide for traveling abroad, whereby you can rest assured that our travel vaccinations advice supports safe globetrotting.
- Certified Yellow Fever Vaccination centre
- Expert malaria advice
- IMMEDIATE vaccinations
- Up To Date information on worldwide health risks
- Experts in CORPORATE TRAVEL
- FREE travel consultations on purchase of travel vaccinations
What we Vaccinate Against:
Cholera:
Usually transmitted by water contaminated by faeces and shellfish and contaminated food. There is an incubation period of 1-5 days and then onset of rapid diarrhoea, extreme vomiting and dehydration can occur. Travellers living in poor sanitary conditions should avoid using tap water under any circumstances and ensure all food is well cooked and eaten piping hot.
Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine:
Tetanus spores are present in soil contaminated with bird, animal or human faeces and are widely distributed in the environment. Infection is a result of the spores entering a wound at the time of injury. The incubation period is 4-21 days and symptoms include general rigidity and spasms of the skeletal muscles which can be fatal. Polio is contracted from person to person contact through the faecal-oral route (contaminated food and water). Incubation is 7-14 days and with symptoms including fever and mild illness, such as headache and sore throat to flaccid paralysis in rare cases. Minor illness can be followed by remission and severe illness. Diphtheria is contracted though respiratory contact of items soiled by an infected person. Incubation is 2-5 days and it causes a characteristic acute infection of the tonsils, pharynx, larynx or nose.
Hepatitis A vaccine:
Transmitted by contaminated water and food, particularly shellfish and person to person contact where hygiene is poor, Incubation is 2-6 weeks with no symptoms and then a sudden onset of mild fever, upset stomach, rash, nausea, vomiting followed by jaundice, at which stage patients begin to feel better.
Hepatitis B vaccine:
Transmitted person to person by exposure to bodily fluids (e.g. via occupational exposure, open wounds, sexual contact and newborn infant from mother, contaminated medical, dental and acupuncture instruments, sharing used intra-venous needles and body piercing and tattoo instruments). Infection can be more severe and results in symptoms similar to Hepatitis A with jaundice and hepatitis resulting from liver cell destruction.
Japanese Encephalitis vaccine:
It is transmitted to man by the bite of an infected mosquito that normally breeds in rice paddies. The illness causes a fever, headache, convulsions, encephalitis and meningitis and especially cranial nerve paralysis. Prolonged recovery and post viral debility are common. Many who recover are left with disabilities. There is no effective anti-viral therapy and treatment is symptomatic.
Malaria:
Transmitted by a mosquito bite, the infected insect releases a parasite into your bloodstream, the parasite then multiplies in the bloodstream. Symptoms are flu like including chills, fever, pain, weakness, muscle aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, cough and diarrhea. Treatable if diagnosed quickly, however it can be fatal.
Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine:
Transmitted by person to person via airborne particles. Incubation is 2-10 days with symptoms including a sudden onset of fever, intense nausea, headache, sensitivity to light and vomiting. Other symptoms include a stiff neck and a non-blanching rash.
Rabies vaccine:
The disease is transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal through a bite or scratch. Incubation is usually from 5-60 days, but can take much longer. Symptoms include fever, headache, malaise and fatigue. Anxiety depression, agitation and insomnia may also be reported which can develop into hyperactivity, disorientation, hallucination, seizures and bizarre behaviour.
Tick-borne Encephalitis vaccine:
Transmitted by the bite of an infected ixodes tick or less commonly, spread by the ingestion of unpasteurised milk for infected animals such as goats. Incubation is 3-14 days. Symptoms can include a flu-like illness that resolves within a few days in the western subtype. The Eastern subtype symptoms includes sudden onset of sever illness including sudden onset of severe headache, fever, nausea and photophobia.
Tuberculosis vaccine / BCG vaccine:
Transmitted through respiratory contact (infected sputum). Infectious patients may be asymptomatic until advanced stages of the disease when symptoms include lethargy, loss of weight, poor appetite, fever, a productive cough and night sweats.
Typhoid vaccine:
Transmitted by contaminated water and food, where hygiene is poor and food and drink may be contaminated with human faces or urine. Symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, vague abdominal pain and constipation with red spots occurring on body.
Yellow Fever vaccine:
Transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito. Two outbreaks types exist: Jungle yellow fever is spread by monkeys and humans become infected in jungle habitat. They in turn can become a source of urban yellow fever outbreaks. Incubation is 3-5 days and the blood remains infected and can be spread by mosquitos biting other humans or monkeys and in turn spreading infection. Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, backache, generalized muscle pain, prostration, nausea and vomiting.
Malaria is a tropical disease spread by mosquitoes, which can cause fever, headache and in severe cases, coma or death.
Approximately 1,500 travellers return to the UK with malaria every year.
Countries at risk
Malaria is found in more than 100 countries, mainly in tropical regions of the world, including:
Large areas of Africa and Asia
Central and South America
Haiti and the Dominican Republic
parts of the Middle East
some Pacific islands
Malaria is not found in the UK – it may be diagnosed in travellers who return to the UK from risk areas.
The TravelHealthPro website has more information about the risk of malaria in specific countries.
Travel precautions
Many cases of malaria can be prevented by the ABCD approach:
Awareness of risk: know your risk of malaria.
Bite prevention: avoid bites as much as possible.
Chemoprophylaxis: take the right antimalarial tablets.
Diagnosis: get immediate medical help for symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Typical symptoms of malaria include shivering, fever, joint pain, vomiting, jaundice and convulsions. The classic symptom of malaria is a sudden coldness followed by fever and sweating.
In severe cases, malaria can progress extremely rapidly and induce a coma and even death within hours or days.
Young children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the disease.
Prevention
If you are travelling to an area with a risk of malaria you may be recommended to take antimalarial tablets to prevent you from becoming infected. Be sure to also use repellent and mosquito nets to increase your level of safety. There are a range of different antimalarial tablets that will be prescribed to travellers based on several factors, including: destination, medical history, family history, current medications, previous problems with anti-malarial tablets, age, and pregnancy.
Being aware of your risk is a huge factor in protecting yourself from the disease, so be sure to speak to one of us while planning your trip..
Botulinum toxin is a protein that helps stop muscle spasm. When it is given as small painless injections into the facial muscles it blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscles causing them to relax. This relaxation results in a softening of facial lines.
Botox injections are most effective in three main areas of the upper face:
The main 3 areas are:
* Forehead "worry lines" - formed when we raise our eyebrows
* Glabellar "frown lines" - the area between the eyebrows
* Crow's feet - the areas around the outside of the eyes.
Treatments can also be performed for:
* Gummy Smile
* Jaw Line Reduction
* Crow's feet - the areas around the outside of the eyes.
* Wrinkles of the bridge of nose known as the 'bunny lines'
* Dimpling of the chin
PROCEDURE
All Botox procedures are carried out by a qualified doctor, Dr Carole McAlister.
The Botox treatment takes around 15 minutes. After the treatment the area may be slightly red and swollen, however you can resume normal activities and drive yourself home or return to work immediately after the treatment.
It takes 2-3 days before you notice the effects. The full effect of the Botox treatment is achieved by 2 weeks. The results typically last for 3-4 months or longer (up to about a year after several repeated treatments).
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects of the Botox treatment are rare, but can include some tenderness or bruising at the site of injection. In less than 1% of people treated with wrinkle relaxing injections, it can cause weakness in muscles near to the site of injection resulting in a slight and temporary droop of the eyelid or eyebrow.
Botox is an effective treatment for migraine headaches.
It is thought that botulinum toxin gets into the small nerves that carry pain signals from the head to the brain, known as C-fibres. This reduces the amount of chemicals released from the nerve endings and therefore interrupts the feedback pathway that perpetuates migraine and headache. Essentially the botulinum toxin works on the neurovascular junction (between the nerves and blood vessels) primarily in the area above the eyebrows to treat migraine headaches.
Botox is given as a series of tiny injections under the skin or into the muscles in and around the forehead, above the ears, and into the neck and shoulders. The injections usually need to be repeated every 12-16 weeks, after which time the effects of the botox wear off. Normally a response is seen after the first or second set of injections. Only about one in ten people respond to a third set of injections if the first two sets fail.
The appointment takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
How effective is theBotox for migraine treatment
The goal is improvement in the patient's quality of life.
About one in four patients do not respond to the treatment. One in four respond well to the first or second set of injections, and half need more than two sets of injections to get a good response. Studies show that 47% of patients had a 50% or greater reduction in the number of days with headache.
We have audited our results and have more than a 70% success rate of relieving patient's migraine headaches. In the majority of cases this is complete remission allowing people to get on with their lives, whilst in others it means more days of the month headache-free or in some a far better response to migraine medication than prior to the treatment.
The biological effect of botulinum toxin on nerves takes 3-5 days or a week or two to work. Some patients do not start to improve until after their second set of injections which can be given 12 weeks after the first set of injections.
At GP Matters we provide Botox injections for excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) with effective results by an experienced specialist doctor.
When severe sweating gets in the way of certain daily activities and antiperspirants are not working, you may be a candidate for Botox treatment. .
Botox is very effective to treat the symptoms of severe underarm sweating when medicines used on the skin (topical) do not work well enough. It is injected into the affected areas to help control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands do not receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops.
Procedure:
Prior to the treatment: The night before the procedure you should shave your armpits.
The day of the treatment you should wash off any deodorant prior to your appointment and you should wear an old top to avoid staining of your favourite top with the iodine dye used to identify the sweat glands.
The actual procedure takes about 30 minutes and is totally straightforward. A series of small amounts of Botox injections are performed at the identified underarm areas through a very fine needle.
Post Treatment
Simply avoid touching, rubbing or apply anything (ie. deodorants) on the treated area for 4 hours to prevent infection and spreading of the medicine. Also, it is recommended not to shower on the same day of the treatment or exercise for 24 hours after the procedure. Specific instruction will be given.
Duration
You will get the result at about 72 hours after having the treatment.
Your next treatment can be given when the effects of the first course wear off. This usually happens after 4 to 9 months. Then your symptoms will return gradually, and you will know when the time is right for another treatment.
It is recommended to have the treatment every 6 months to receive the best possible results.